Ahold sees boost in 1Q U.S. sales

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands First quarter net sales at Ahold's Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover division increased 3.6% to $5.3 billion from $5.1 billion last year. Net sales for the first quarter at Giant-Carlisle rose 3.4% to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion last year.

Identical sales increased 3.1% at Stop & Shop (4.8% excluding gasoline net sales) and increased 3.6% at Giant-Landover (3.6% excluding gasoline net sales), despite lower pharmacy sales. Comparable sales increased 3.6% at Stop & Shop and increased 4.0% at Giant-Landover. Identical sales at increased 1.1% at Giant-Carlisle (4.3% excluding gasoline net sales). Comparable sales increased 1.8%.